After three nights of sometimes raucous discussion, Town Meeting wrapped up on May 3 with votes to form a Traffic Safety Committee, urge town committees and boards to make meetings more accessible and transparent, and to create standard operating procedures
manuals for the Select Board and regulatory boards and commissions.
“Let’s write it down, let’s follow it to the best of our knowledge,” said School Committee Chair Sarah Fox who spoke in favor of Article 54, sponsored by the Marblehead group PowerUp, to create manuals. “It will help volunteerism in this town. The more people know what a board
does, the more likely they will get involved.”
It took an extra 30 minutes to get the 300-resident quorum required to start the meeting.
Resident Dan Albert spoke first for his proposed Traffic Safety Committee, Article 49, which was approved. “It’s not the end of the fight for safer streets, it’s the beginning,” Albert said. “But it’s a critical first step.”
According to Town Planner Becky Cutting, this comes on top of an already existing traffic advisory committee overseen by the public safety departments and a Complete Streets Committee.
But in the lead-up to Town Meeting, Albert expressed his vision that the committee created by Article 49 would consolidate and replace those other committees, which he said
Over the sunny and warm weekend, the Devereux Beach Carnival attracted families and teenagers. The event is a school fundraiser. People enjoyed a variety of rides, games and food. Marblehead Current photographer Nicole Goodhue Boyd was on hand to capture the time-honored tradition Sunday. To see a gallery of her photos, visit marbleheadcurrent.org.
had become defunct.
Later in the session, after the meeting had moved on to other articles, Select Board Chair Moses Grader tried to move to reconsider the vote on Article 49. But because he had voted “no” on the proposal initially, his motion was rejected by Town Moderator Jack Attridge.
About two weekends ago, Old North Church congregants entered their church’s attic and came across wildlife that decided to take up residency in the house of worship.
“We were hauling dump barrels up into the attic, and a raccoon ran right in front of us,” said Sally Sands. “And that raccoon turned out to have four babies.”
Sands shared the story in an interview with the Marblehead Current to highlight several issues that need to be addressed with Old North Church’s historic property.
Twins Julia and Emma Gjinaj are all smiles after winning a prize.
The congregation has launched a capital campaign — called “Keep It Ringing” — to restore its bell tower, which sits beneath an iconic golden cod weathervane.
The church has so far raised nearly twothirds of its goal, but church leaders are now seeking financial support from the community at large.
“We’re now up to $650,329 of a $1 million goal, and this is without going public,” said Sands, the capital campaign’s chair, following Sunday’s service. “This is just from lead donors and committee members, and we’re just starting to get donations from the congregation and the public.”
Founded in 1635, Marblehead’s Old North Church has been providing ministry
Hundreds of family members, friends and members of the Celtics organization gathered on May 5 to celebrate the life of Marblehead mom and Celtics VP Heather Walker, who passed away last month after a nearly two-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. She was 52.
“It’s ironic that we’re here to honor Heather right in the middle of the playoffs,” said Celtics team chaplain Rev. Robert Gray with a smile. “I think she pulled some strings.”
Several members of the Celtics front office filled the deck at the Eastern Yacht Club where the memorial was held. Tacko Fall, who played with the team from 2019 to 2021, came to pay respects. Celtics President Rich Gotham spoke about the day he was introduced to Walker at an event.
“She told me, ‘Oh, you have to hire me. I’d be perfect.’ And, in fact, she was. It’s true to say that the Celtics would never be the same,” he said.
Walker worked with the Celtics as vice president of public relations for 16 years before her illness, partnering with players to promote the
team. When the Celtics won the NBA championship in 2008, she grew especially close with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and James Posey.
The team honored Walker as a “Hero Among Us” last year. And in a game right after she died, Celtics players wore special T-shirts with a heart and Walker’s initials.
Gotham read notes from several Celtics top brass, praising Walker for her kindness, warmth and energy.
“She was known as ‘Hurricane Heather,’” he said to laughs in the room.
Gotham also announced that the Celtics would name the team’s media room in Walker’s honor.
President Biden’s message
After her diagnosis, Walker
Marblehead resident Maria
Sansone comes into homes four mornings a week over the traditional TV airwaves as the host of “The Hub Today” and “Mom2Mom” on NBC-10 Boston, the latter also an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast.
But she has her social media following to thank for her latest project.
About five or six years ago, when her son was very small, she turned a camera on as she was making dinner and broadcast it out over Facebook Live and Instagram.
“And the rest is kind of history,” she says.
The impromptu low-tech cooking show developed a following, especially once Sansone began to introduce sidekicks, the “colorful characters that are my family.”
At times, Sansone would poll her online viewers on what she should make.
“Overwhelmingly, they always wanted me to make the thing that was super simple,” Sansone says.
Over time, Sansone had built up a repository of recipes that had both proven popular and could be prepared within a half hour.
“My viewers kept saying to me, ‘Where can I find these recipes? When are you writing a cookbook?’” she says.
Those viewers now have their answer with the publication of “Oh $#!% What’s For Dinner?:
No-Fuss Weeknight Recipes
You’ll Swear By.”
Unlike her recipes, the book was a long time in the making, with Sansone sending out the initial proposal to publishers over three years ago.
And the book never would have made it over the finish line without a little hometown help.
Sansone says that even before trying any of the recipes, early purchasers of the book are telling her they are wowed by how it looks. For that, she has another Marblehead mom to thank.
Sansone says Katie Ring, whose studio is in Salem, first caught her attention “because during the pandemic, she was hustling so hard, and shooting food photos for restaurants out of the back of her trunk.”
Sansone interviewed Ring over Zoom, and a friendship — and
partnership — was born.
Sansone also has a Marblehead resident, Lisa Sugarman, to thank for introducing her to her publisher, Familius.
“Lisa is the type of person who is passionate about helping people do the things that they want to do,” Sansone says.
As Sansone’s cookbook project crystallized, she says she and Sugarman met for coffee many times at Shubie’s Marketplace, where their books will now sit side by side on the shelf.
As is evident in the book’s title, Sansone believes that there is nothing wrong with a dash of salty language in the kitchen — one of the recipes is “Maria’s Big A$$ Sheet Pan Quesadilla” — especially when a busy mom is trying to feed her hungry family.
“I feel like it’s still very classy — it’s just tongue-in-cheek enough,” she says.
As with her online cooking, readers will get a flavor of Sansone’s extended family, which includes her husband, Marblehead native Josh Guthartz. Sansone explains that Guthartz was the first boy she met upon arriving at Syracuse University.
“It was only maybe a matter of a week before he sat me down and made me watch the Marblehead-Swampscott football game on VHS tape in the dorm room,” she recalls with a laugh.
Sansone’s career took her to New York City and Santa Monica, where their kids were born. But in a familiar tale, the couple decided that they wanted to be closer to family and raise their children — Grace, now 9, and Benjamin, 5 — in a community.
In those initial installments of the digital cooking series, “Benny was on my hip and Gracie was sitting on the counter and Josh was coming in and out and eating all the food before it was prepared,” Sansone says.
As time marched on, Sansone would have her Italian-American family come and visit, and her parents became regulars, her father making his famous pizza and sauce.
But the real scene stealer — at least on Sansone’s side of the family — is her Aunt Ray, whom Sansone considers a consultant on the cookbook.
“She really has the keys to my past,” Sansone says. “She
is great with remembering my grandmother’s recipes and the things that we grew up eating — and she’s a hoot.”
Josh’s parents then got their big break when Sansone and her family moved in with their in-laws while their house was being renovated, which shifted the filming location to “Bear and Rah-Rah’s” kitchen.
“Bear became a huge sensation — dentist by day and then my sous chef by night,” Sansone says.
In all, the book contains 65 entrees and 10 side dishes meant to mix and match easily with the entrees, “because Mama don’t have time for appetizers or desserts on a weeknight,” Sansone says.
“We need to cut to the chase and get a healthy, delicious dinner on the table that our family will actually eat,” she says.
Sansone owns plenty of cookbooks herself, some she considers the “little black cocktail dress” she pulls out on special occasions.
She hopes her book, with its recipes for “Fried Chicken n’ Waffle Tenders” and “10-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara,” is more like “your comfiest pair of worn-in jeans.”
“These are the ones that you put on, you know they’re gonna work, you know you’re gonna feel good, and they stand the test of time,” she says. If she has one hope for the book, it is that it will foster confidence in her fellow parents that they can put a delicious meal on the table.
“I was surprised how many of my friends — grown women with lots of children — are spending a ton of money on takeout and just spinning their wheels and really don’t feel competent to do it,” Sansone says.
She continues, “Dinnertime is unfortunately a very stressful time for people, and I would like it to be a happy time. It’s my happy place.”
CO-CHAIRPERSONS
NEWSROOM
Community Editor - Will Dowd wdowd@marbleheadnews.org
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org.
St. Andrew’s rummage sale
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church invites the community to its rummage sale on Saturday, May 13 from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by a Stuff-a-Bag event from noon to 1 p.m. The sale will take place at St. Andrew’s Church, 135 Lafayette St. The venue is accessible to people with physical disabilities. Available items include adults’ and children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, electronics, small appliances, tools, linens,
lamps, kitchen items, toys, games, puzzles, holiday items, gardening and sports items, artwork, vintage items and small furniture. A boutique will offer special items for sale. The event will not feature books or large furniture.
Proceeds from the sale will support the missions and ministries of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Candidates to run two nights
Given the large number of candidates and contested races, the Marblehead League of Women Voters will host two Candidates Nights on Tuesday, May 23 and Wednesday, May 24
in the library of Marblehead High School, 2 Humphrey St. Both nights will begin at 7 p.m.
The 2023 municipal election on Tuesday, June 20 will feature 27 candidates running across seven contested races.
Jazz at the Marblehead Arts Association
The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould are presenting a performance for their Jazz Concert Series.
On Thursday, May 18, the Laszlo Gardony Trio will perform at the MAA, 8 Hooper St. Laszlo Gardony, a jazz pianist and composer from Boston, will be joined by Yoron Israel on drums and John Lockwood on
bass. Tickets can be purchased online or in advance at the MAA or Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St., for $35 per adult, which includes access to a cash bar and light refreshments.
‘MarbleShred’
open on May 13
On Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon, Marblehead Bank will hold its annual “MarbleShred” event, a free community shredding day for the public at its 21 Atlantic Ave. office. According to the bank, attendees can bring a maximum of two standard or bankers-size boxes of
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documents. Please refrain from bringing cardboard, food waste, paper plates or paper towels.
In conjunction with the shredding event, the bank will host a food drive to benefit the Marblehead Food Pantry, accepting cash donations and essential items such as peanut butter, boxed pasta, mac and cheese, canned vegetables, rice, cereal, tuna fish, spaghetti sauce, canned chicken and soup. The event will take place rain or shine.
Rotary Club camperships
Marblehead Rotary Club
Co-Presidents Nancy
Gwin and Blair Lord of the Rotary Club of Marblehead
announced the availability of funds for local children in need of financial assistance to attend summer camps. The Rotary Club raises funds for camperships through its annual summer lobster raffle, with over $219,716 awarded to more than 380 children in the past 23 years.
Gwin and Lord said the goal is to help children attend their chosen camp, with popular local options including the Marblehead Park and Recreation Department’s playground camp, YMCA’s Children’s Island and Camp Rotary.
Camperships may be up to $500 per child, and children living in Marblehead can receive assistance twice.Call or email Ellen Winkler at 781-631-6404 or ewinkler@emwinklerlaw.
com with questions or to request an application for a campership. Each household needs to fill out one form. Applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Council on Aging speaker series
Join Mike Michaud, fleet captain at the Boston Yacht Club, as he delves into the captivating history and importance of Marblehead’s renowned sailing tradition. Discover the secrets behind this picturesque town’s sailing legacy on Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m.
The event is part of the Marblehead Council on Aging Speaker Series and will take place at the Marblehead Council On Aging.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to explore
the fascinating world of Marblehead’s sailing heritage,” said organizers.
Inferno: The Great Boston Fire of 1872 Anthony Sammarco will tell the dramatic story of the Great Boston Fire of 1872 on May 11 at 7 p.m. at the J.O.J. Frost Gallery & Carolyn Lynch Education Center. This lecture is based on Anthony’s new book, “Inferno,” and will cover the biggest fire in New England history, which destroyed 776 buildings in just 15 hours. To learn more, visit bit. ly/3lRxrJj
Marblehead Garden Club plant sale
The annual Marblehead Garden Club Plant Sale
The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer and historian Dan Dixey, who regularly shares photos of Marblehead from his extensive collection, along with information about each shot.
“This is a photo of the old Lockerbie’s restaurant on Darling Street,” said Dixey. “It was taken May 4, 1973, by Harry Wilkinson. Aiken Brothers Restaurant was there much earlier (1898). Later, Rinaldo’s started in that location and then moved to Village Plaza before closing for good.”
is back for its 92nd year! The town’s oldest continuously-running plant sale is Saturday, May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street, Marblehead. In the event of rain, the sale will take place on Sunday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission to the event is free.
The proceeds from the plant sale will be
used to support the maintenance of the organic gardens at the historic Jeremiah Lee Mansion, which is operated by the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society. The Marblehead Garden Club and The Marblehead Museum have been working together since 1936 to preserve and enhance the mansion’s gardens.
We’regrateful forteachers everywhere, and recognize all thatyou do forstudents. Your impact is appreciated and admired—this week and every day.
HappyTeacher Appreciation Week!
75 West ShoreDrive, Marblehead towerschool.org
TowerSchool honors thework of teachers, first responders, and others whose professional expertise strengthens our local communities, expands our children’sworlds, and keeps our local towns safe. We recognizethe impact of these professionals with ascholarship of up to 50%* of Tower’stuition fortheir children.
To learn moreand apply,visit towerschool.org/admission/scholarship
*Applicants mayalso qualify forsupplementaltuition assistance.
Marblehead Town Meeting strengthened regulations governing the summertime ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, adding enforcement provisions and penalties for noncompliance.
Meanwhile, attendees defeated resident Todd Norman’s citizen petition, Article 47, that attempted to erase the leaf blower ban that Town Meeting adopted in 2022.
Article 48, sponsored by Jeanie Stahl and Dr. Kathy Breslin, passed 246 to 165.
“Other towns in Massachusetts have limitations on decibel level. One community has a maximum fine of $2,000,” Stahl told Town Meeting. “Another has limitations on decibel level.”
Stahl clarified that the Police Department or the Public Health Department must witness violations in order to issue a written warning or fine.
Property owners — not landscapers — will be penalized for infractions. Penalties will
progress with each violation, and they would be as follows:
» First offense, written warning
Second offense, $100 fine
Third and subsequent offenses, $200 fine.
According to an analysis of gas-powered leaf blower bans, those penalties fall in line with others across the Bay State. Between 2012 and today, Brookline, Winchester, Lexington, Cambridge, Lincoln, Newton and Arlington have such bans.
A Massachusetts Medical
Society report notes gasoline leaf blowers produce between 95 and 110 decibels. Prolonged exposure to noise at or above 85 decibels can result in permanent hearing loss, according to the National Institute of Health. The agency reports the extent of damage to your hearing caused by noise depends on three factors:
» Decibel level: How loud the sound is.
» Distance: How close you are to the source of the sound.
» Time: The length of time you are exposed to the sound.
Breslin expressed relief for a quieter summer.
“I’m so happy looking forward to a quiet summer,” Breslin told the Current on the Town Meeting floor. “I won’t have to leave my house every Thursday for three hours.”
Opponents’ arguments failed to gain steam. Norman said taking leaf blowers away will increase costs for property owners.
“I’ve heard some people say [yardwork by landscapers] does not need to look perfect,” said Todd Noman. “I think you would
disagree if you ever pay for the service.”
Rose Anne Wheeler McCarthy framed the enforcement penalties as a step closer to “a police state.” She also believes the fines will impose a financial burden on struggling seniors on fixed incomes.
Proponents argued landscapers can still use electric leaf blowers, but Norman claimed that electric leaf blowers’ environmental impact isn’t as green as perceived, citing the carbon footprint from lithium mining used for batteries.
And he added that raking and sweeping are not cost-effective alternatives.
“The time it takes to sweep up by hand will cost the customer more,” he said. “It’s all about getting the job done quicker.”
The victory Tuesday was hard earned, Stahl said.
“I can’t even count the hours,” Stahl said. “Hours and hours and hours of writing and researching and making presentations to help educate different parts of the town.”
moments after the vote.
BY LEIGH BLANDERAfter some tense moments and a count of written ballots, Town Meeting approved a nearly $2.5 million general tax override of Proposition 2 1/2, which will now go on the ballot for the June 20 election. Town Meeting also approved a change in bylaws to allow ADUs (accessory dwelling units), penalties for leaf blower violations and three-year terms for the Select Board. The override passed with 70% of vote, 534 to 230. If voters approve it in June, it will add $252 to the tax bill for a median singlefamily home valued at $807,400. The override is
“necessary to maintain the same town services that residents currently receive and represents a step in the right direction to address our structural deficit,” said Alec Goolsby, chair of the Finance Committee at Town Meeting.
The previous night, Town Meeting approved a reducedservices budget with deep cuts to the schools and other town departments. With the override, Goolsby added, “we get back to level services, in other words, no cuts.”
The override includes $1.1 million for the schools to fund more than 30 staff members, as well as sports, library positions and language programs.
“I am grateful to the voters of Marblehead for their support at tonight’s Town Meeting,” Schools Superintendent John Buckey told the Current
“After last year’s defeat of the school override, we worked hard during the budget development process to attend to the questions and concerns that were raised. I am proud of the work our team did in collaboration with the town to put this request forward at the ballot in June. We are fortunate to live and work in a community that understands the importance of investing in a first-rate public education for our students.”
Before the vote, several residents spoke against the override.
“I’m trying to understand why I’m being asked for a permanent override, but the town has not been managed fiscally responsibly over the last number of years,” asked
one woman. Another resident complained that the town is asking for a general (permanent) override, which will add the $2.5 million to the tax levy every year moving forward.
“The tax increase is going to double my mortgage over time,” he complained.
Former School Committee member Jonathan Lederman asked Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, “After this year’s permanent override, do you anticipate having to come back for another override?”
Kezer replied, “I don’t know yet. The desire is not to have to, but I can’t answer that. This override would give us a little bit of a runway to manage the challenge,” referring to
the town’s long-running over-reliance on so-called “free cash” to balance the budget.
Kezer added that the town has a new finance team in place, along with new budget software. He’s hopeful that the override will give the town time to develop a sound financial approach moving forward.
In a surprise move, resident Mark Pelletier, who advocated against the override on social media, called to end debate after a short time and move to a vote. Lederman and eight other residents then made a motion for a written ballot count.
In addition to the $1.1 million for the schools, the override would support several town departments, including: General fund, which pays for employee benefits and
other items: $694,774.
Fire Department: $216,480.
Police: $196,773, including $177,222 in salary.
Public Works: $74,241 for salary and projects, including fixing potholes.
Building Inspection: $71,241.
Health and Waste: $19,450.
Select Board: $12,600.
After the vote, Kezer said, “We worked hard to provide as much information as possible so participants at Town Meeting could make a good choice. Hopefully, they’ll do the same when it’s on the ballot.”
To learn the results of all Town Meeting votes, go to the Current’s Town Meeting Guide at marbleheadcurrent. org.
In an effort to create more affordable housing in Marblehead, Town Meeting voted 500-130 to approve a bylaw change allowing ADUs (accessory dwelling units).
ADUs are small living quarters that sit on the same property as single-family homes and are often called “in-law apartments.” They can be within an existing home, attached or detached.
“Why should we allow these ADUs?” asked Planning Board Chair Robert Schaeffner while presenting the plan. “Marblehead is aging, more housing options are needed. ADUs can help produce naturallyoccurring affordable housing. It’s a terrific option for people with lower incomes.”
Housing advocates had pushed for rent restrictions on ADUs to keep them more affordable, but the
Planning Board decided not to implement those. Because ADUs are smaller, they will likely be priced more affordably, supporters say.
Speaking in favor of ADUs, resident and senior citizen Jay Michaud described the home he and his wife have lived in for decades.
“We have eight bedrooms and we raised eight children. They’ve all grown up. The house now has seven empty bedrooms and an attic full of memories. The last thing I would like to do is leave that home. We may not have to put an ADU on our property, but it’s a valid option, a good option.”
Michaud is not alone.
According to the 2020 Marblehead Housing Production Plan, the number of Marblehead households led by someone 55 and older increased by 21% in seven years, from 6,597 households in 2010 to 7,978 in 2017. The Housing Production
Plan noted that the graying of Marblehead compels “expansion and diversification of its housing stock” and listed ADUs as a way to “create naturally-occurring affordable housing.”
In the 37 Massachusetts communities that allow ADUs, an average of 2.5 are approved each year, according to Shaeffner. “In the past three years, three were built in Swampscott, seven in Ipswich and 10 in Peabody.”
The ABCs of ADUs Schaeffner laid out what he called “highlights” of Marblehead’s ADU plan. They include: One ADU is permitted per property.
» An owner must occupy either the primary residence or the ADU.
» ADUs can not be separated from the primary home or sold separately.
» Short-term rentals less than 90 days are not permitted.
» ADUs are limited to 1,000 square feet. A special permit process with the Planning Board is required for ADUs. A few residents asked questions about their rights if a neighbor builds an ADU that is too close to their property or unsightly.
“We have a number of safeguards in place,” Schaeffner answered. “It’s a special permit process that allows abuttors to be present. We’re trying to recognize that the times are changing. Housing needs are extraordinary. But we are incredibly sensitive to the character of the town.”
Resident Mark Liebman asked who will enforce the rules if a homeowner violates the short-term rental ban.
“If there are any violations, the building commissioner would enforce [the rules],” said Town Planner Becky Cutting.
A bill that would establish a lottery system to determine the order of candidates listed on town election ballots in Marblehead is now awaiting Gov. Maura Healey’s signature.
The Massachusetts House and Senate gave their final approval to the proposed legislation last week. The bill originated as a citizen petition passed as Article 39 at Marblehead Town Meeting in 2022.
If signed into law, the bill would require Town Clerk Robin Michaud to hold a lottery for each race, drawing the names
From P. A1
Attridge appeared to be adhering to a “Practical Guide to Town Meeting” published last year by his predecessor, Gary Spiess. In that document, Spiess addressed issues that had come up periodically during his years in the role and outlined how he planned to exercise the broad discretion given to the moderator under the town bylaws.
Lynn Nadeau presented two articles, Articles 51 and 52, urging town boards to record and post meeting minutes and to hold hybrid meetings so more people at home can participate. They both passed easily.
“Unfortunately, there are some chairs — and you know who you are — who won’t make meetings available even for members who can’t get to the meetings,” Nadeau said. “That’s not right.”
Resident Judith Black spoke in favor of the articles, dismissing concerns that volunteers may not have the technological knowhow to run hybrid or remote meetings.
“This is not neuro-science. Now, I’m technologicallychallenged — and even I know how to set up an Owl,” said Black, referring to a plug-andplay video conferencing camera. “This is not rocket science.”
Before Nadeau gave her pitch for her proposals, Amy Drinker, who co-chaired a moderator’s committee created by Article 44 of the 2022 Town Meeting to study the issue of remote participation, provided a short summary of the committee’s findings, the full details of which are available on the town website.
of all qualified candidates to determine their order on the ballot. Historically, Marblehead has listed incumbents first, then challengers.
The lottery system is more fair, say supporters.
“It will create a level playing field for all candidates,” said Bonnie Grenier, who was among the Marblehead League of Women Voters members who championed the citizen petition process last year.
Several neighboring cities and towns in Massachusetts have undertaken legislative measures to randomize the order in which candidates are listed on their
That report outlined some of the logistical challenges currently standing in the way of expanding hybrid or remote meeting access. For example, the meeting room at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center would need approximately $6,000 worth of technological upgrades, and the lack of Recreation and Parks staff consistently on duty in the evening hours to operate the equipment would be another potential impediment, Drinker explained.
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On the second night of Marblehead Town Meeting, boos erupted when Town Moderator Jack Attridge tried to adjourn twice, as attendees wanted to stay and debate about leaf blowers.
In all, attendees cleared 18 articles, including sending a $2.5 million override to the ballot box and giving the town’s leaf blower ban more teeth, leaving just a half-dozen citizen petitions left. Here are a few other highlights from the night:
Voters passed Article 44, which proposed amending the bylaw to change the current term of the Select Board from a one-year term to a three-year staggered term. This new structure is similar to the School Committee and most other local Select Boards.
Sponsor Jim Zisson said of the three-year term, “It improves governance and builds commitment.”
“We want our Select Board to focus on running the town, not running for re-election,” he said.
Two former members of the Select Board rose to speak against the proposal, however.
and side yard setback located at 10 Pitman Road in the Single Residence District. The new construction will be within the side yard setback. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this 1neeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting htt ps: // us0 6we b.z oo1n. us/ j/8 78783 4728 2?pwd =en lwRX d3V 2xm dH E3cy92SklTUlBTUT09 Dial in+ 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the 1neeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comn1ent. Interested persons n1ay also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.
Several neighboring cities and towns in Massachusetts have undertaken legislative measures to randomize the order in which candidates are listed on their ballots
ballots in recent years, including Swampscott, Beverly, Lynn, Peabody, Saugus and Salem. “I think Danvers has been doing this since 1974,” said Grenier. “So we’re kind of coming at this a lot later than a lot of other towns and see it as a way to encourage more citizens
Harry Christensen, a 20-year Select Board member, said he had gathered signatures and put signs on lawns throughout that time, and “never once did it interfere with my duties as a Marblehead selectman, including the 10 years that I was the chairman.”
Every once in a while, there is a major problem with a board member, he noted. He had “labored” through one of those times, but fortunately only for a year, he said.
“I shudder to think what would have happened if that person were a member of the board for three years,” Christensen said.
John Whipple, who served on the board for 16 years, said, “What other cities and towns do doesn’t matter, as far as I am concerned. We do what we want in the town of Marblehead.”
While Christensen and Whipple argued that one-year terms promote accountability, Zisson had earlier noted, “The smaller field allows voters the chance to focus on individual candidates.”
The Select Board’s staggered terms will now align with the School Committee and other town board, with one or two three-year seats up for election annually.
“This allows for experienced people to remain as new people come on,” Zisson said.
In order to implement this transition to three-year terms, terms will be assigned to the winning candidates based on their vote totals in the town election the year after the enactment of the bylaw amendment. The recipients of the first and second highest vote totals will each receive threeyear terms, the third and fourth
to run for elected office in Marblehead.”
The public would have the opportunity to be present during the ballot-order drawing.
Grenier credited the home-rule petition’s passage to the town’s legislators, Rep. Jenny Armini and Sen. Brendon Crighton.
“They were so diligent; they stayed on top of this,” Grenier said. “If they hadn’t kept at it, I don’t think we would be here right now.”
Armini lauded the Marblehead League of Women Voters for bringing the issue to the fore.
“The Marblehead League of Women Voters’ tireless advocacy
highest will each receive twoyear terms, and the fifth highest recipient will receive a one-year term.
COLA base increased
Town Meeting adopted Article 33, paving the way for the base upon which Marblehead’s costof-living adjustments are made to the Marblehead pension system to increase from 12,000 to $14,000.
At present, the COLA adjustment of 3% is applied to the first $12,000 of a person’s total pension, known as the “COLA base.”
Before the May 2 vote, Marblehead’s COLA base had remained stagnant at $12,000 for many years.
Town Meeting’s adoption means 325 retirees and beneficiaries will now be eligible for the $14,000 base, effective July 1, 2023. A Marblehead Retirement Board analysis determined that the change would raise the average annual pension by $460.92 to $29,530.54, or $38.41 per month.
Public-shade trees
Article 42’s adoption created a public shade tree bylaw that permits the town to plant trees on private property “within 20 feet of the public right of way, provided that written permission from the adjoining property owner is obtained first.” Its passage comes as Marblehead invests millions of dollars into creating and improving sidewalks around town. Officials do not want tree-root growth to damage them.
Property tax abatement
Cheers erupted when Town Meeting passed Article 43, providing for local property tax exemptions for the surviving parents or guardians of soldiers
brought this bill to life and fueled the legislative process,” Armini told the Current. “Thanks to them, Marblehead elections will be more fair and welcoming to all candidates — starting this June.”
The Legislature ran out of time to pass the bill during the previous legislative session but now has reached the finish line, needing just Healey’s formal approval.
The passage of the home-rule petition comes days after Town Meeting sent a similar petition to Beacon Hill, this one to change Select Board terms from one year to three years.
and sailors, members of the National Guard and veterans whose proximate cause of death was related to their service. Its passage means these Gold Star families would not have to pay property taxes on their Marblehead homes, but they will need to petition the Board of Assessors for the abatement annually.
“Marblehead has always been a very strong supporter of the veteran community, and adoption of this article would demonstrate that continuous support,” Town Assessor Karen D. Bertolino. She noted one family in town qualifies for the abatement at present.
Electronic counting devices
The Town Meeting approved Article 36, which updates the General Bylaws to allow the use of electronic counting devices during town meetings. With this change, the moderator can choose to utilize these devices for more efficient voting. If electronic devices are used, the traditional methods of counting votes, such as manually or through written ballots, will be bypassed.
Date of elections changed
Article 38 was approved, changing the date of the Annual Town Election due to the recognition of Juneteenth. Back in 2019, when the town voted to change the election date, voters didn’t know that Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of African Americans who were enslaved, would soon gain widespread recognition, including by the federal government. Now, the town clerk will stage elections on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in June, instead of the third.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead is set to unveil a community clock in a special ceremony on May 11 at 11 a.m., just outside the National Grand Bank. The community clock is a gift to Marblehead and celebrates the Rotary Club’s 100th birthday.
Since its establishment in 1923, the Rotary Club of Marblehead has steadfastly lived out its mission of “Service Before Self.” Through numerous projects and initiatives, the club has consistently demonstrated the power of service and its impact on the town of Marblehead.
From their early years providing shoes and socks for underprivileged children to their support for a service dog project for children with autism, the Rotary Club’s efforts have left a lasting mark. They have generously provided dictionaries and books for the YMCA Reading Room, funded scholarships for deserving high school seniors and contributed $300,000 towards camperships, allowing kids from low-income families to go to summer camp.
The list is too lengthy to list here, but believe us when we say it is long.
The Rotary Club’s reach extends far beyond the borders of Marblehead, too, with global literacy projects, clean water initiatives and hearing aid projects in Guatemala. A centerpiece commitment to the End Polio Now campaign further typifies their dedication to making a difference on a global scale.
Marblehead is indeed fortunate to have not just one Rotary Club but two. The Rotary Club of Marblehead also sponsored the establishment of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. Furthermore, let us not forget the ElderAct Clubs and the InterAct Club at Marblehead High School, both of which received support from Marblhead’s Rotary Clubs.
As we celebrate the Rotary Club of Marblehead’s 100 years of service, we acknowledge the countless hours and dedication these committed volunteers have invested in their mission and in Marblehead. May the Rotary Club of Marblehead thrive for another hundred years.
I was only able to attend one night of the Town Meeting and just wanted to thank you for the great coverage and guide to all the articles, and updates on social media. And thanks to Shubie’s for sponsoring it. I’m hopeful that this kind of continued coverage will improve overall engagement in our local policy and decision making.
Jennifer Shepherd Charlotte RoadThank you, Marblehead Current, for your incredibly generous coverage of my girls confidence-building program. I cried when I read it. Only those closest to me know why this piece is especially significant.
Miss Molly’s Musical Magic was an unexpected blessing that came from the worst of times. Perhaps it may offer inspiration to anyone else going through a hard time. I was very ill from mold exposure. I couldn’t work. A musical friend who knew I loved to sing encouraged me to learn my guitar. The music saved me in every way.
I am declaring this four-year “illness chapter” of my life over. Joy has won. Chris Stephens told my perfect story.
Thank you!
The Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen” opens with the perfect song for describing motherhood — “Anybody Have a Map?” — and these lyrics: “Anybody maybe happen to know how the hell to do this? I don’t know if you can tell, but this is me just pretending to know. So where’s the map? I need a clue. ‘Cause the scary truth is, I’m flyin’ blind.” Aren’t all moms? From the terrifying moment we leave the hospital with a tiny human being, to the even more terrifying moment one of our babies gets behind the wheel, to the most terrifying moment when we leave them in their dorm rooms to fend for themselves. And all the terrifying moments in between and after.
We’d need a map that would dwarf the Rand McNally Atlas to navigate all those. And a matching jumbo journal to chronicle all the mistakes we made along the way.
I know there are so many other ways and people we mother, and so many more iterations of the above terrors I cannot begin to capture here.
So, just as — the best we can — we give grace to our own moms for the mistakes they made, on this Mother’s Day, let’s focus on something we did well. No, not just well, but perfectly!
Who gets to self-proclaim something they did as “perfect”? We do, moms! We’ll call it our gift to ourselves. This Mother’s Day, let us revel, nay, let us luxuriate, in one, just one, perfect mom moment.
It doesn’t have to be serious or change the courses of our children’s lives. It just has to make us smile. And pat ourselves appreciatively on the back.
Mine involves a mouse, a lacrosse stick and a jar of organic peanut butter.
It was several winters ago. The kids and I had just gotten home from school pickup and a grocery run where I had also grabbed a bundle of firewood. We came through the front door into the kitchen, and I set the wood down on the floor. A few minutes later, I heard a scream.
“A mouse, Mom, there’s a mouse!”
Both kids scrambled to the staircase landing. The mouse was running in circles, and I knew it must have come from the wood bundle since it was unfamiliar with an escape route.
It scurried into the dining room and I yelled to Jack and Maddy to close the door on one side of the room while I slammed the other.
Now what?
I called a friend who always jumps in to help when we have a house problem — failed sump pump, heat not working. Instead of the expected, “I’ll be right over” response, this friend decided this was the day for me to
ENDING THE STIGM a
be a grown-up homeowner.
“Tell me how to fix the sump pump instead,” I wanted to beg.
But no, I was a grownup, mostly. I could do this. As instructed, I got an empty kitchen trash bin. My son grabbed his hockey stick, and my daughter handed me a jar of peanut butter.
As they returned to higher ground, I smeared peanut butter on the top of the stick. I opened the dining room door and, screaming through clenched teeth, put the trash can inside, the opening facing up, with the hockey stick leaning against it.
“The mouse will run up the stick and drop into the bin like taking a ramp off Route 128 and hitting a pothole,” my friend had promised.
I slammed the door closed again and watched through the glass panes. The mouse didn’t even so much as sniff the bottom of the stick. I needed a plan B.
Jack brought me his lacrosse stick. I smeared the netting with more peanut butter. I laid the trash bin on its side and stuck the head of the stick right into it. The mouse ventured near and then nearer.
“C’mon, little mouse, it’s organic,” I whispered.
Soon the mouse was in the netting, and I ran in, righted the trash bin and the mouse fell to the bottom.
“Got it!” I cried triumphantly.
Then, as if competing in an Olympic track event, the mouse started jumping — jumping! — up from the bottom of the bin. As I carried it to the front door, the mouse jumped higher and higher, and I screamed louder and louder.
I finally made it to the street and dropped the bin on its side.
“Get out, little mouse!” I yelled.
But it didn’t move. I kicked the bin down the street and heard giggles behind me. Jack and Maddy were at the window, no longer afraid, and having the time of their lives laughing at my expense.
Finally, one more kick sent the mouse out of the bin onto the street.
For a moment, it stood still, quiet, as, well, a mouse, and I swear it glared at me.
“What kind of mom tricks a mouse with peanut butter and dumps it on the street?” it seemed to communicate.
The kind of mom willing to be brave and silly, and make a memory that her kids, just maybe, will appreciate one day. Meanwhile, it’s one she will appreciate herself one future Mother’s Day when she reflects that, without a map, she navigated her way perfectly through at least one mom moment.
Happy Mother’s Day, all!
Virginia Buckingham is the president of the Current’s board of directors. Her column appears weekly.
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Email submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother’s Day, so it feels fitting to focus on women’s mental health this month — where we are and what we can do about it. We are living in turbulent times and women’s mental health is suffering as a result.
There is uncertainty in the economy, gun violence, an extreme political divide, dehumanizing directives and legislation in southern states, and the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. And this is just in the U.S. We can’t help but also be affected by watching the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and women struggling in Iran and under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. These events have all contributed to a global mental health crisis that continues to disproportionately affect women.
Even prior to the pandemic, women were twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, depression and PTSD.
one in four women experienced depression and/or PTSD.
» one in five experienced an anxiety disorder.
two-thirds of the Americans with eating disorders were women. These numbers have only gotten worse as we are all forced to adapt to a “new normal” with no boundaries and more responsibilities than ever.
What can we do?
You are not alone if your life feels exhausting and overwhelming. And if the world feels chaotic and unsafe. These events dysregulate our nervous system. As a result, we experience emotions like frustration, fear, anxiety, loneliness, anger, even rage, and a profound sense of loss.
While this is a normal human reaction to the events unfolding
around us, there is an implicit bias against it. We are taught that expressing and processing these emotions is not acceptable or appropriate as women. While we see men express anger, frustration and rage from the Oval Office to Wall Street to professional sports and beyond, women are labeled “too emotional” and unfit to lead. This stereotype is more than flawed and unfair, it’s dangerous to our health. It ignores the science that shows “negative” emotion — if not examined, processed and released, but rather internalized and ignored — causes chronic pain and mental health and addiction issues.
Caution: What not to do
We tend to use coping mechanisms to hide from these difficult emotions. We over-work, over-eat, over-drink, over-exercise, overspend, over-Netflix. We numb ourselves and mislabel it as “self care” to avoid what we really need
Lyceum halls were first introduced to New England in the early 1800s, inspired by the lecture halls found in Europe. Within a decade of their introduction, over 3,000 lyceum halls had been built in the U.S. alone.
Before the advent of movies and television, the halls provided entertainment for people. Lyceums put on a variety of programming, including debates, musical entertainment, oral readings and plays.
Lyceums were the brainchild of Joshua Holbrook, who borrowed the concept from the mechanics’ institutes he had encountered in England. Holbrook started the first lyceum in Millbury in 1828.
Before long, there were 100 similar societies throughout New England. The city of Salem first opened its lyceum hall in 1830, followed by Marblehead in 1844.
Marblehead’s lyceum hall was located at 69 Washington St. In the
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— to process and release these emotions. I’m not suggesting you incorporate outbursts of sadness and rage into your day. There is a better way!
When we recognize and release difficult emotions, we are able to reflect and reveal our true self, which is calm and balanced, compassionate and empathetic. Picture your body as an empty vessel. Your true self resides just below your naval (solar plexus). This self gets buried under layers of negative emotion. Being aware of these emotions as they fill you and drown your peace and power is the first step. How do you do this?
First, listen to your thoughts. When you wake in the morning, listen to the story you are telling yourself about your day, your personal and professional life, national and world events and how they affect you. Maybe you feel a lack of control, victimized and powerless. Then identify the emotions these thoughts are creating for you — maybe fear, anger or sadness.
Then, watch your behavior. Watch for behaviors that are compulsive, impulsive, controlling or indulging. These are red flags that you are avoiding negative
19th century, a number of learned and respected individuals spoke here.
The lyceum on Washington Street was built against the face of a steep rocky hillside (still there). It had its entrance on the ground level, with a long flight of steps up to the main floor of the auditorium. The stage protruded out over the sidewalk. Seats rose steeply in the rear to an exit on Mechanic Street.
Distinguished speakers who spoke at the Marblehead lyceum in the 19th century:
emotions that need to be processed.
Now that you’re aware of these emotions, prioritize time to process and release them in healthy ways. As women, we often serve everyone — our families, our clients, our communities — before we serve ourselves. Research shows that chronic stress increases inflammation in our bodies, which, in turn, increases anxiety and depression. It’s a spiral that you can stop with self care. Incorporating the techniques below as part of your self-care practice will help you bring your best self to every aspect of your life. Taking care of yourself more doesn’t mean taking care of them less, it means taking care of them better!
1. Name the feeling
As you expand your awareness of these emotions, it is important to also expand your vulnerability vocabulary. This allows you to understand and express the full spectrum of your emotions. Dr. Brene Brown’s research showed that after asking over 7,000 people to list emotions they could recognize while feeling it, they came up with three on average — happy, mad and sad. Google
“list of emotions” to help you identify and name what you are feeling and keep it close by for daily
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator and writer. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, becoming famous for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings.
Wendell Phillips (1811-1884), an American abolitionist, orator and attorney. According to George Lewis Ruffin, a Black attorney, Phillips
reference.
2. Give Your emotion a voice
There is a practice called “Rage on the Page” based on the work of Dr. John Sarno. Sarno wrote about how our physical conditions are caused by our unresolved trauma and unprocessed emotions. In this practice, you write for about 20-30 minutes focused solely on releasing your anger or grief. Give yourself the option to burn or shred the paper after writing. This will eliminate any filter you may impose when considering that someone finds and reads what you’ve written.
When you are done, go for a walk or meditate to reset your nervous system.
3. Cultivate a peaceful center
There have been hundreds of studies on the benefits of meditation, including reducing and relieving stress-related psychological disorders.
In its most basic form, meditation can help you access your calm,
was seen by many Blacks as “the one white American wholly colorblind and free from race prejudice.” From 1850 to 1865, he was the preeminent figure in American abolitionism.
» Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894), an American physician, poet and polymath. Acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. After graduating from Harvard in 1829, he briefly studied law before turning to the medical profession. He began writing poetry at an early age. One of his most famous works, “Old Ironsides,” was published in 1830 and was influential in the eventual preservation of the USS Constitution.
» Thomas Starr King (1824-1864), an American Universalist and Unitarian minister, influential in California politics during the American Civil War. King spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by
authentic self that feels buried below your difficult emotions. In the silence or through the guidance of an instructor, you can process the emotion and cultivate a peaceful center to return to when your world feels turbulent again.
4. Talk to someone
Whether you connect with a psychiatrist, counselor or coach, finding someone to help you excavate and navigate this terrain is important. I can’t tell you how many times a client said to me or I said to my coach, “I have nothing to talk about today.” And without fail, we are knee-deep in identifying and processing difficult emotions within 10-15 minutes. Sometimes the tools in our bag just aren’t enough or you can’t find the time for self-care and need to be held accountable by a third party. When you find the right person, the perspective and support they provide and the pressure it relieves is priceless.
Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic. He is sometimes referred to as “the orator who saved the nation.”
» John Pierpont (17851866), an American poet, who was also successively a teacher, lawyer, merchant and Unitarian minister. His poem “The Airs of Palestine” made him one of the best-known poets in the United States in his day. He served as pastor at the Hollis Street Church in Boston from 1819 to 1845. His social activism for temperance and abolition angered some parishioners, and after a lengthy battle he resigned in 1845. He was also the grandfather to Industrialist J.P. Morgan.
Marblehead’s first movie house
Before the Warwick Theater opened up on Pleasant Street in 1917, the lyceum hall showed silent films to the public. (The
5. Move your body
We now know that persistently elevated stress hormones like cortisol have a detrimental effect on the body. It can lead to anxiety, depression, weight gain, heart problems, sleep disorders, digestive issues, headaches, memory impairment and even chronic pain.
Studies show that exercise is especially effective recovery for people performing mentally demanding work — which feels like all of us. Research shows that the best exercises for releasing this stress and anxiety are walking, running, hiking, cycling and yoga.
Start small if you are not currently moving on a regular basis. Getting sore or injured will derail your motivation and momentum. If you are moving, adding a mindfulness practice like yoga and getting outside will bring added benefits.
6. Find peer support
Said plainly, there is not enough peer support in the
first “talkie” was “The Jazz Singer” in 1928) The owner, Fred Libby, ran the lyceum movie theater until he was hired to run the Warwick Theater. The Warwick Theater was named for the actor Robert Warwick. Warwick was a matinee idol during the silent film era and later prospered as an actor after the introduction of sound to cinema.
Basketball and badminton
By the 1930s, seats were removed from the auditorium, and it was converted into a basketball court and later a badminton court.
End of an era
After sitting empty for a number of years, the building was deemed a fire hazard and was torn down in 1951. It was replaced with a much smaller structure for artist Samuel Chamberlain in 1956. There is a historic plaque for Chamberlain’s art studio on the front of the house today.
world. I feel strongly about the incredible benefits of peer support among women. From my own personal experience as a provider and consumer of such support, I find these spaces invaluable. Talking openly about the unique challenges we face and the common traumas we endure normalizes them and melts the shame we carry when we believe we are alone in our struggles. Find or form a peer support group to create a safe space to be vulnerable, feel seen, heard and valued through shared experiences.
Wendy Tamis Robbins is an anxiety expert, bestselling author of “The Box: An Invitation to Freedom From Anxiety,” and founder of CAVE Club, a wellness community exclusively for professional women. She works globally as a mental health and wellness coach, speaker and advocate. She will be speaking and signing books at Shubie’s Marketplace on May 11 at 4 p.m.
positions including:
CLASSROOM TEACHERS (hiring now!)
CLASSROOM AIDS (hiring now!)
positions including:
ASSISTANT CAMP SIMCHAH DIRECTOR (age 20+)
CAMP COUNSELORS (ages 16+)
positions including:
SWIM LESSON INSTRUCTORS
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the Marblehead High softball team (4-5 in the Northeastern Conference, 5-5 overall) wrapped up the first half of the regular season with a thoroughly convincing victory over host Saugus, 11-2, on May 5.
Junior pitcher Ruby Calienes went the distance in the circle, giving up two runs on five hits and one walk, while striking out six over seven innings. Calienes also helped her own cause on offense with three RBI and a hit.
Catcher Luka Bornhorst accounted for a single and a triple. She also knocked in three runs and scored three times. Outfielder Isabel Mortensen chipped in with a single and a double. Third baseman Tessa Andriano was also credited with two hits.
In recent action, the Marblehead girls lost to Division 1 powerhouse Peabody in a close matchup on April 24, 8-2. But they bounced back to beat Swampscott, 15-3, and then non-league Whittier Tech, 17-14, before dropping a 10-7 decision to Salem on May 4.
“We were beating Peabody — in my opinion the best team in the state — after five innings, 2-1,” said coach Johnny Gold. “We are seeing a lot of progress, with the team batting average, in particular, going up every day.”
Ila Bumagin doubled in two runs in the fifth to give her teammates the lead briefly. In the home
NOTEBOOK, P. A11
The Marblehead High School spring track athletes took a break from the Northeastern Conference regular season meet schedule to participate in the annual MSTCA (Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association) Division 3 State Relays at Oliver Ames High School in Easton on Sunday, April 30.
The headliners were sprinters Ava Machado, Cate Trautman, Sadie Halpern and Le’Daisha Williams, who set school records in the process of winning both the 4x100 and 4x200 relays.
Boys mile relay
Nate Assa, Henrik Adams, Ryan Blestowe and Isaac Gross finished eighth among the state’s best with a time of 20:00.92.
“Nate (Assa) got out to a good start in a pretty dense and aggressive field of runners, but then held his own throughout his leg,” said coach William Herlihy. “Ryan and Henrik both ran low five-minute splits, before (Blestowe) handed off the baton to Isaac to close out the race. It’s challenging to stay focused and run fast when the competition is very spread out. It’s a testament to their work ethic that all of them gave 100%
throughout each one of their legs.”
Girls mile relay Grace Mortensen (6:04.47), Cat Piper (6:08.2), Maren Potter (6:14.11) and Marri O’Connell (5:59.15) turned in solid performances in a tough event to finish seventh overall in 24:25.93.
“Cat Piper’s split was a significant improvement from her open mile best time of 6:20 after she picked up nearly 40 meters on the runner ahead
of her over four laps,” said Herlihy. “The most difficult part of a distance relay like this is staying engaged when the pack spreads out, but this group kept their foot on the gas as long as possible and ended up with a very solid time.”
Boys shuttle hurdle relay
Alex Hersey, Harrison Curtis, Marc Grazado and Errol Apostolopoulos
Wednesday, May 10
» 4 p.m., baseball, vs. Masconomet, at Seaside Park » 4 p.m., girls and boys track, vs. Beverly, at Village School Hopkins Field » 4:30 p.m., boys
lacrosse, vs. Bedford, New Hampshire, at Marblehead High Piper Field
Thursday, May 11 » 4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Malden Catholic, at Malden Catholic » 4:15 p.m., softball, vs. Wakefield, at Wakefield Memorial High » 4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Peabody, at Marblehead High
Piper Field » 4:30 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Saugus, at Marblehead High » 6 p.m., girls lacrosse, vs. Peabody, at Peabody Veterans Memorial High » 6:30 p.m., baseball, vs. Swampscott, at Swampscott Middle
Saturday, May 13 » 9:30 a.m., boys and girls track, MSTCA Invitational, at Norton High
Monday, May 15 » 3:30 p.m., boys tennis, vs. St. Mary’s, Lynn, at Marblehead High » 4 p.m., softball, vs. Woburn, at Marblehead Veterans Middle » 4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Peabody, at
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Peabody Veterans Memorial High » 4:30 p.m., baseball, vs. Swampscott, at Seaside Park » 4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Masconomet, at Masconomet » 4:30 p.m., boys and girls track, vs. Salem, at Marblehead Village School Hopkins Field
Tuesday, May 16 » 4 p.m., sailing, vs. St. John’s Prep, at Quannapowitt Yacht Club, Wakefield » 4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Salem, at Marblehead High
Wednesday, May 17 » 4 p.m., baseball, vs. Beverly, at Seaside Park » 4 p.m., softball, vs. Winthrop, at Winthrop High » 4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Masconomet, at Masconomet » 4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Masconomet, at Marblehead High » 4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, vs. Masconomet, at Marblehead High Piper Field
Thursday, May 18 » 4 p.m., baseball, vs. Peabody, at Seaside Park » 4 p.m., girls lacrosse, vs. Winthrop, at Winthrop High » 4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Winthrop, at Marblehead High Piper Field
finished second with a time of 1:10.25.
“Harrison Curtis is a hurdler from the indoor pentathlon, and he was determined to come out and run a solid race alongside Alex, Marc and Errol,” said coach Nolan Raimo.
Girls shuttle hurdle relay
Devin Whalen, Elise Burchfield, Ana Vina de Garnica and Claire Davis would have finished sixth with a time of 1:13.61, but they were disqualified for missing a hurdle.
“The wet conditions made all jumping-related events tough, and the competition this year in this event was shockingly good,” said Raimo. “The winning Plymouth South quartet ended up with a combined blazing fast time of 1:06.34.”
Boys 4x100
Jacob Bobowski, Slater Johnson, Joseph Proulx and Ethan Horgan finished 25th with a time of 48.84.
“All four runners are either freshmen and sophomores, but yet they put up a respectable time amongst a fast field,” said Raimo.
Girls 4x100
Ava Machado, Cate Trautman, Sadie Halpern and Le’Daisha Williams ran away from the rest of their divisional opponents to win the event in a school record time of 50.63, surpassing the previous mark that lasted 10 years by a second.
“Sharon, the second-place team, (51.81) was closer to the eighth-place time of 52.74 (Duxbury) than ours,” said Raimo. “Our time, in ugly conditions, ranks 12th in the state so far this year, and with warmer, drier conditions coming up, we could see a low 49 or a high 48 soon.”
Boys sprint medley relay
Harrison Curtis (200), Thomas Carlson (200), David DiConstanzo (400) and Ryan Thompson (800) finished fifth with a time of 3:42.34.
“The sprint medley relay is one of the most exciting events, and Harrison, Thomas, David and Ryan put together a time just a couple of seconds off the Rising Stars Nationals,” said Raimo.
Girls sprint medley relay
Devin Whalen (200), Gabrielle Hendy (200), Charlie Roszell
BY JOE McCONNELLThe Marblehead High girls tennis team (6-1 in the Northeastern Conference) began a new month with another win, this time against Winthrop, 5-0, on May 1, in a matchup that allowed some underclassmen to gain varsity experience.
First singles player Pauline Geissler started the match against the Vikings the right way with a 6-1, 6-1 victory.
Andrea Potvin shutout her Winthrop counterpart in second singles, 6-0. 6-0.
Freshman Samara Dosch pretty much did the same thing in third singles, 6-0, 6-1.
Reese Friedman and Lani Gilmore teamed up in first doubles to win, 6-3, 6-3.
Hannah Atkinson and Amelia Singer completed the sweep in second doubles, 6-0, 6-1.
It was more of the same against Gloucester two days later, as the Marblehead girls enjoyed another clean sweep.
Charley Cooper, playing first singles, had a crisp win, 6-1, 6-4. Aviva Bornstein also won in straight sets in second singles, 6-3, 7-5. Courtney Yoder followed the winning script perfectly in third singles, 6-1, 6-1.
Aoife Bresnahan and Lucia
(400) and Kate Twomey (800) sprinted to a third-place finish (4:27.20).
“At the time, we were neck and neck with Billerica, and Kate Twomey’s final leg was extraordinary to narrowly beat Billerica by four-tenths of a second,” said Raimo.
Boys 4x200
Harrison Curtis, Thomas Carlson, Sebastian Pantzer and Ryan Thompson were unfortunately disqualified due to a handoff outside the zone.
This same squad had a remarkable run during the indoor track season in this event to finish 10th at the All-States, but with wet conditions and a chaotic handoff zone they were disqualified, Raimo explained.
Girls 4x200
For the second time in this meet, Machado, Trautman, Halpern and Williams were victorious with a time of 1:48.54 to eclipse the previous school record of 1:48.63 from 10 years ago.
“The team scored 54 points as a whole, and Cate, Sadie, Ava and Le’Daisha scored 20 points in just two events,” Raimo said. “They broke both school records, and they practically ran by themselves in both races. It will be incredible to watch this group in the postseason against the top competition in the state and region.”
Boys 4x800
James Marcey (2:34), Ryan Blestowe (2:20), Peter Sullivan (2:27) and Henrik Adams (2:15) ran a collective time of 9:36.72 to finish 13th.
“There was some uncertainty about who would be running on the A or B team leading up to race day, and there were some last-minute changes on the day off. But these boys all stepped up and submitted a solid time,” said Herlihy.
Boys distance medley relay
Nate Assa ran the first 1200 leg in 3:36, which is a great time for an odd distance that is never raced outside of this relay, according to Herlihy.
David Di Costanzo turned in a 54-second 400 in his second event of the day. Gabe Bayramian kept his team in the mix in the 800 leg with an impressive time of 2:07. Isaac Gross closed it out, picking up a few spots with his 4:41 split in the 1,600 leg.
“This is an excellent time from
Levin teamed up in first doubles to win decisively, 6-0, 6-1. The second doubles tandem of Hannah Atkinson and Amelia Singer came out on top, 7-5, 6-1. There was no rest for the weary Magicians. They went right back to work the next day against non-league Manchester-Essex, and unfortunately, they got stung by the Hornets, 5-0.
Pauline Geissler lost an epic first singles battle before darkness, 6-1, 3-6, 5-6 (2-7). The match had to be played in a shortened format to determine a winner.
“I was really proud of Pauline in first singles,”
this group, and they battled in every leg to give their teammates a better shot at medaling,” the coach added.
Girls distance medley relay
“This team was among our strongest that we fielded in this meet, and they all ran well to finish fifth in a very stacked field with a total time of 13:15.38,” said Herlihy. “For reference, this time would’ve put them in third place by 12 seconds at last year’s relays.”
Juliet Burchfield opened up by running the 1,200 leg in 4:07, keeping her teammates in the top pack. She hit the 800 mark in 2:40, which is only a couple of seconds off her seasonal best at that distance, and she still had another lap to go.
Cora Gerson held her own in the 400, splitting a 68-second lap in a race that is relatively new for her, but she still stepped up to run it anyways, according to Herlihy.
“Kate Twomey split a 2:33 in the 800 leg, which is a great time, to keep the quartet in the top five, but it is especially impressive considering she was doubling up to that distance only a couple of hours earlier,” said Herlihy.
“Marri O’Connell was the anchor 1600 leg, and there was no question that she left it all out there for her teammates,” Herlihy said. “She split a 5:23 in the 1,600 leg, which is insanely fast for anyone, not to mention a young freshman runner with minimal experience at that distance.”
Herlihy continued, “Only a few Marblehead runners have run a sub-5:20 mile, so for Marri to be so close at this early stage of her career is crazy. The team’s time already puts them second in the school record books, and with no seniors on the squad, I’m sure they want a chance to break it next year.”
Boys long jump
The team of Alex Hersey (14th, 18-11.25), Errol Apostolopoulos (27th, 17-10.75) and Sebastian Pantzer (30th, 17-8) finished eighth.
“Across this competition, nobody was jumping well because of the wet runway,” said Raimo. “Alex, Errol and Sebby put together a decent jump day, but a lot of teams who finished ahead of them in this event had more depth.”
Ackerman said. “She is in a tough spot playing the other team’s top opponent, and she just fell short against a formidable opponent. I’m confident she can learn from this close match and build upon it to continue her positive season.”
Second singles player Andrea Potvin lost, 3-6, 1-6. Cooper was also on the short end of the scoreboard in third singles, 1-6, 0-6. The first doubles tandem of Yoder and Bornstein lost a super close match, 6-7, 5-7. Bresnahan and Levin made a good comeback, only to drop a 0-6, 5-7 decision. “We always have tight
Girls long jump
Claire Davis (sixth, 15-6), Elise Burchfield (ninth, 15-1.5) and Charlie Roszell (16th, 14-3) finished second with a combined distance of 44-10.
“There were 33 jumpers in this event, and for Claire, Elise and Charlie to all finish in the top half was impressive, especially considering all three competed in three different events,” Raimo said.
Boys triple jump
Hersey (seventh, 38-0), Thompson (15th, 35-8.5) and Apostolopoulos (21st, 30-0) finished fourth with a combined distance of 108-9.
“Alex, Ryan and Errol had already competed in two events prior to this event, but they still battled to a fourth-place spot,” Raimo said. “Triple jumping on a wet runway can be daunting, especially landing in the second and third phase, but Alex, Ryan and Errol competed and deservedly earned their four points.”
Girls triple jump
Claire Davis (seventh, 31-8), Ava Machado (10th, 30-9.75) and Keira Sweetnam (11th, 30-6.25) finished second.
“The girls triple jump was the first event, and Claire, Ava and Keira were on top of it from the beginning,” said Raimo. “It’s tough to get off the bus after a long trip and start warming up, but Claire, Ava and Keira are all veterans, and they were able to open up the meet with eight points for the team, which created a ton of momentum.”
Boys shot put
Justin Gonzalez (30th, 34-8.5), Asher Oren (49th, 32-1) and Lycurgus Cohen (54th, 31-1.75) finished 18th as a team.
“Justin, Asher and Lycurgus are all relatively new to this event, and to throw around a combined 100 feet is a great sign of their progress so far,” Raimo said. “Their potential as a unit is also evident, and as the season progresses and in future years they’ll continue to build on this effort.”
Girls discus
Rachael Albert (third, 90-5), Hannah O’Brien (sixth. 82-5) and Campbell Crane (39th, 51-0) finished third with a combined distance of 224-0.
“Spinning and throwing a metal discus is hard enough in dry conditions, but with puddles in the circle and a slippery discus
matches with Manchester, and this was no exception,” said Ackerman.
It was then back to business in the Northeastern Conference, where the Magicians defeated the Beverly Panthers, 4-1. Geissler persevered in first singles, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). Potvin lost a competitive match to Rebecca Curley in second singles, 1-3, 3-6. Cooper was victorious in third singles, 6-4, 6-2. The first doubles team of Yoder and Bornstein survived a 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 10-5 match against their Beverly counterparts. Bresnahan and Levin won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
Rachael, Hannah and Campbell still found a way to secure a third,” said Raimo. “It’s easy to get frustrated when throwing distances are significantly below your best mark, but this group didn’t worry about it and just competed to the highest level they could.”
Boys javelin
Asher Oren (33rd, 98-9), Phineas Jakious (43rd, 86-7) and Angelo Knight (44th, 84-10) finished 14th with a distance of 270-0.
“The javelin was thrown on a grass field, and the surface degraded as the meet went on,” Raimo said. “This squad had to throw in the very last flight of javelin competitors among both the boys and girls teams, so even in adverse conditions they threw well, especially considering it was nearly impossible to plant and throw.”
Girls javelin
Rachael Albert (ninth, 82-0, personal best), Sierra Leinberry (14th, 74-9) and Adely Cruickshank (36th, 43-3) finished seventh with a combined distance of 200-0.
“Although these girls threw early, it was filled with slipping and sliding,” said Raimo. “This is Rachael’s first season throwing the javelin, and a top 10 finish at this meet is impressive.”
Boys 4x400
Marc Grazado, Colin Hart, Logan Doody and Slater Johnson finished 14th with a time of 3:58.65.
“This relay team, made up of freshmen and sophomores, was able to crack the fourminute mark, and that’s really impressive,” said Raimo. “The 400 is a great test of lactic acid training, and as Marc, Colin, Logan and Slater progress with workouts throughout the rest of the season, we could see the same squad run 3:50 under the right conditions.”
Girls 4x400
Trautman, Halpern, Williams and Roszell finished fourth with a time of 4:17.8, which was good for 15th in the state among Division 3 opponents.
“Cate, Sadie and Le’Daisha pulled off the triple of pure sprint events (4x100, 4x200 and 4x400) to account for 24 points,” said Raimo. “Charlie ran the 400 in the sprint medley relay, and then came back to the 400 again in this relay.”
The new bike park in Green Street Woods has opened with a soft launch, with a grand opening event planned for Sunday, May 28.
“The signs are up, the woods are open for riding,” announced Pat Milner with Friends of Green Street. Milner has been a driving force behind the bike park.
“This is a soft opening because we still need to get dirt in there to finish the features and berms and there is some final cleanup to do…”
The park’s opening is the culmination of two years of heated public meetings and setbacks.
The New England Mountain Bike Association has signed a five-year agreement with the Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department to build and maintain bike trails on the site, on the corner of Green Street and West Shore Drive. Hopes for a bike park began during COVID when a group of teenagers started searching for places to ride their mountain bikes. In January 2021, they built
small bike jumps at Lead Mills, which is conservation land.
The Conservation Commission flattened the jumps, frustrating the teens and their parents. Supporters have been looking to build a bike park around town.
“The park will be about eight or 10 acres,” Frank Lane, the president of NEMBA’s North Shore chapter, told the Current in December. “It will be kind of a looped trail with some dirt and natural features. You can contour the dirt into what’s called a berm turn. We’re not looking for huge wooden
jumps. We’re going to make it somewhat natural.”
Lane said the park will be for beginner and more advanced riders. “We’ll have a small dirt jump, and then something that’s a little larger so people can learn on the small one and move along to the larger one. We’ll have signage directing the people as they go down the trail, similar to ski trail colors — green would be the easy direction, and black would be more challenging.” For more information, email Milner at friendsofgsw@gmail.com.
Meet Ellie Chabot, director for LvO day camp and site coordinator at our after-school program in Swampscott. Ellie is gearing up with her staff to create an enriching summer camp experience on-site at the Y for hundreds of campers who will enjoy a wide variety of camp programs where they can get outside, unplug and connect with friends, new and old.
Chabot has 17 years of experience working with children and families at a variety of organizations, including Boston’s Bridge to Excellence in Roxbury, Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and Boston’s Children’s Museum. From curriculum development to program planning and implementation, Chabot has been helping children learn, grow and thrive as they navigate new experiences, social settings and transitions throughout their day.
Camp is a little more than a month away and there is still room for your child. Here’s a peek at some of the most popular camps at the Y this summer. To
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half of the sixth, however, the Peabody bats woke up to regain the lead for good with seven runs.
Abby Bettencourt, arguably the NEC MVP, got the win.
“There was a lot to learn and grow from in this game,” added Gold. “We had the bases loaded twice but couldn’t score any runs. Something we need to work on is to get the ball in play and bring home runs in those situations, but at the same time we need to get a handle on both mental and physical mistakes. But I was still proud of the way we competed against Peabody, and this game was definitely a turning point for us.”
Against Swampscott, the Magicians pounded the ball all game long, with Calienes and Bumagin, both juniors, going a perfect three-for-three. Bornhorst had three hits in four at-bats. Freshmen Hailey Schmitt and Isabel and Ashley Mortensen continued to hit the ball well, according to Gold.
Junior Sophia Hassley and senior Anna Bobowski came off the bench and contributed one hit apiece to the winning cause. Andriano, another freshman, hit the ball hard, but came up empty.
“(Andriano) has also been doing an outstanding job at third base,” said Gold. “She has a good glove and strong arm to quickly turn would-be hits into outs.”
learn more, email chabote@ northshoreymca.org or visit northshoreymca.org/programs/ lynchvan-otterloo-ymca-camps
LvO Day Camp
Ages 5-12 offered all summer Day camp provides a physically and mentally enriching summer experience. Built around a weekly theme, campers get a taste of sports, gymnastics, STEAM activities and swim time in our aquatics center, including outdoor wading pool, indoor slide and diving board.
Gymnastics Day Camp
Ages 7-12, dates 6/20-8/11
This program consists of specific event training,
The veteran coach added, “Overall, we have an exceptional freshman class. We start four freshmen that also includes pitcher Tessa Francis, who has missed several games due to injuries, but hopefully will be back in a week or two. Bornhorst is the real deal behind the plate, who possesses a strong arm and speed. The Mortensen sisters are in the outfield with Bumagin, and all three have done a real good job. Schmitt is our shortstop, who has excellent range with a good arm and glove, not to mention speed on the bases.”
Against Whittier Tech, Calienes got the win in the circle, while also getting three hits, along with Bumagin.
“After eight games, both players have been outstanding,” said Gold.
The Mortensen sisters contributed solid fielding plays and multiple hits to help their teammates stay on top in this game.
Bornhorst and Andriano both put on a power show to pace the attack. Andriano had a single, double and triple, while the team’s young catcher got the game ball after slugging a two-run homer to go along with producing a double and a single.
Schmitt chipped in with two hits and also played a great game at shortstop, as did Andriano at third base.
As a team, Marblehead pounded out 18 hits, and in the last two games they have had a total of 33 hits and 32 runs.
specialized skills and drills for development.
Campers will also enjoy outdoor activities, pool time, and arts and crafts. At the end of each week, gymnasts will receive awards with program or team recommendations.
Gymnastics Day Camp Jr.
Ages 5-6, dates 6/20-8/11
This camp introduces our younger campers to all the activities in our gymnastics camp just on a smaller, more beginner scale.
Competitive Gymnastics
Half-day Camp
Ages 7-12, dates 7/177/21, 7/31-8/4, 8/7-8/11
Our competitive gymnastics camp is structured for gymnasts on our level 1, 2, 3, 4 and Xcel teams. This is a half-day camp focused on skill progressions on each event, specifically designed to support gymnasts in advancing to the next level. Any gymnast interested in competitive camp, who does not attend our yearly program, will need an evaluation with our gymnastics director for proper placement.
Sports Mania Camp
Ages 7-11, dates 6/20-8/11
In the Salem game, the hits kept on coming, 15 to be exact.
“But the story of this game was Marblehead committing six errors, and they were costly,” said Gold.
Calienes led the way with two singles and a double to account for two RBI. Schmitt and Andriano also had three hits apiece. Bornorst knocked in two with a single and a triple.
The Magicians were scheduled to go up against non-league Mansfield (May 6) and Masco (May 8) after press deadline, before heading to Wakefield to face the Warriors on Thursday, May 11, starting at 4:15 p.m.
The Marblehead High girls lacrosse team (3-6 in the Northeastern Conference, 3-9 overall) started a brand new week with a 13-8 loss to Beverly on May 1.
Sydney Langton (2 goals, 4 draw controls), Lucy Wales (2 goals, 1 ground ball), Ramona Gillett (2 goals 1 assist, 1 ground ball) and Maddie Forbes (2 goals, 2 draw controls) paced the offensive attack for the Magicians. Goalie Kate Santesanio came up with nine saves to keep her teammates in the game.
The Marblehead girls then ended the week with an 11-10 triumph over Danvers on May 4 to secure their third win of the season. The score was tied at halftime, 5-5.
Sports Mania camp is for campers that have an interest in learning new sports. Our coaches help our athletes obtain new skills in a wide range of sports.
Mini Sports Mania Camp
Ages 5-6, dates 6/20-8/11
Mini Sports camp introduces a variety of different sports to campers age 5-6. Mini Sports Mania encourages kids to stay active and have fun. This program focuses on youth development through sports and games.
Basketball Camp
Ages 8-12, dates 7/47/7 & 7/31-8/4 l
Work on drills, skills, scrimmaging and movement of the game. This camp will start and end with a combine test that will help show your camper where they have improved and what they should be focused on moving forward.
Soccer Camp
Ages 8-12, dates 7/107/14 & 8/7-8/11
Soccer Skills Camp is focused on the full soccer development of your child. They will learn new drills, work on skills and play scrimmages against other
Langton (3 goals, 6 draw controls, 1 interception), Wales (3 goals, 1 interception), Gillett (1 goal, 3 ground balls, 3 draw controls), Forbes (1 goal, 2 draw controls), Caitlin Ryan (1 goal), Caroline Scroope (1 goal, 1 assist) and Isabelle Ferrante (1 goal) were the leading contributors against the Falcons.
Baseball Magicians take down Saugus, Gloucester
The Marblehead High baseball team (4-5 in the Northeastern Conference, 6-6 overall) was all over visiting Saugus to win the game going away, 15-5, on May 3. They then doubled up Gloucester two days later at Seaside Park, 10-5.
“Saugus got on the board first, but we took advantage of a young team that was missing several players due to illness, and as a result we were able to put up some big innings,” said coach Mike Giardi. “But credit Saugus for battling back in the fifth.”
The Marblehead boys led, 14-1, after four innings, but the Sachems scored four times in the fifth to force another at-bat for the home team. They needed just one more run to invoke the mercy rule, and they got it to end the game early.
The Magicians banged out 10 hits over five innings. Stefan Shepard helped power the attack with two doubles. Jake Scogland and Charlie Sachs each singled twice.
Ian Maude pitched the first
campers. Your child will also have usual camp day offerings such as swim time, fun games, lunch and other camp
Flag Football Camp
Ages 8-12, dates 7/17-7/21
Work on drills, scrimmaging and the movement of the game. Specifically focusing on route running, footwork, defensive techniques and much more. This camp includes a swim block as well as time for other fun camp activities.
To learn more about our YMCA and all that it offers, visit northshoreymca.org/joinymca or reach out to Jane Rizza, membership director, at rizzaj@ northshoreymca.org.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been the foundation of the community. It serves more than 50,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire.
three innings, issuing one hit, four walks and one earned run to earn the win. He fanned one. Cody Selvais threw one inning, allowing just one walk, while whiffing one. Matt Mahan was on the mound in the fifth, and he gave up four runs, three earned, on three hits and one walk. He struck out one.
The Magicians followed up the win over the Sachems by hooking the Fishermen to secure their second straight win. It was a back-and-forth game for almost five innings against their longtime Cape Ann rivals, before the home team was finally able to snap the 5-5 stalemate with some infield hits and walks in the home half of the fifth, which resulted in five more runs to account for the final score.
Riley Schmitt (3 RBI) and Bodie Bartram (2 RBI) knocked in half of Marblehead’s runs, while also accounting for one hit apiece. Chris Cannuscio doubled once.
Drew Whitman pitched the first four innings, giving up six hits, two walks and five runs, only three were earned. He whiffed four. Cannuscio went the final three frames on the hill to get the save. He allowed just one hit while striking out four.
After a few days off from games, the Marblehead boys finally return to the diamond today, May 10, to host Masco, starting at 4 p.m. They will then board the bus the next day for a night game against host Swampscott at the Middle School, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Welcome to the Marblehead Current’s new feature, Best Bets, spotlighting exciting events and happenings in the coming week. If you want to contribute a listing, please email lblander@marbleheadnews.org.
The JCC of the North Shore’s Jewish Film Festival is screening four movies this week: “Matchmaking” on May 10 at 7 p.m.; “Farewell Mr. Hoffman’’ on May 12 at 1 p.m.; “Our Story” on May 13 at 6 :30 p.m. and “Lost Transport” on May 16 at 1 p.m.
The movies are showing at Cinema Salem. The JCCNS’ 10th annual Film Festival runs through May 24, featuring movies from around the world with a Jewish connection. Read more about the festival in the Current at marbleheadcurrent.org. Get tickets at jccns.org/film-festival/.
Come support the Marblehead Friends of the Performing Arts on May 11, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and enjoy music by local band 5XFast, appetizers, desserts, cash bar, raffle, silent auction and beautiful views of the harbor from the deck of the Dolphin Yacht Club. Money raised will help support performing arts students in town. Learn more and get tickets at eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-arts-night-tickets-598461864547?fbclid=IwAR06jcGy7aSRlSwPLsFAH ieM-btxpEpqtb0tmHpv5evLeALsRk9HCpytXgA
Love Bob Dylan? Join Salem State Professor Emerita Claire Keyes at the Abbot Library’s May Poetry Salon to discuss the singer/songwriter’s lyrics. Dylan won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” Come share your favorite songs. Thursday, May 11, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Presented by Discover Marblehead and the Chamber of Commerce the Spring Celebration on Saturday, May 13, features local artisans, stores, restaurants in locations around town. There will be live music, lawn games and more. For the full schedule of events and locations, go to mailchi.mp/ ad975d87d108/2023mhdspring.
The owner of the Soall Vietnamese Bistro hosts the first evening in a cooking series, where Sa creates a fourcourse meal with her favorite dishes, May 11, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m at the restaurant. Dishes will be paired with beverages that bring out the vibrant Vietnamese flavors. On the menu this evening: green papaya salad, salt and pepper spring roll, “five space” coffee rub pork chop and matcha tiramisu. For more info and tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/soall-viet-kitchen-presents-cooking-from-the-heart-dinner-series-with-sa-tickets-614224079757
As part of the Spring Celebration, two garden clubs will be holding plant sales on Saturday, May 13. The Driftwood Garden Club will be at the Masonic Temple, 8 a.m. to noon, and the Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swmapscott will be at St. Stephen’s Church 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Both sales will feature pere nnials, annuals and other plants from local gardens.
The following is an interview with Ginny von Rueden, president of the Driftwood Garden Club conducted by Discover Marblehead. To learn more about the club and their activities, go to driftwoodgardenclub.org.
Tell us about the Driftwood Garden Club and how the organization got started. The Driftwood Garden Club was founded in 1952 as a volunteer, non-profit organization by a group of women in Marblehead who were looking to offer a social service making and delivering floral arrangements to hospitals and dwellers of tenement buildings in Boston. Throughout the ensuing years, the club engaged in many different civic beautification projects including sprucing up town properties for the bicentennial in 1976.
What are some of the gardening projects you work on in Marblehead? In 1990, Abbot Public Library did a building renovation and club members saw an opportunity to create beautiful gardens in what had been a construction debris dump site, so the library grounds became our main civic project. Within the brick walls, the Secret Garden came to life offering a space for quiet retreat and a safe haven for children. Max’s Garden and an aquarium garden followed a few years later bringing much enjoyment to children and their families
visiting the library. In 2018, the Old Marblehead Improvement Association presented the club with an award for “Outstanding Non-Profit Organization” in Marblehead. For over 30 years, the club has continued to renovate, plant and maintain all the outdoor landscaped areas of the library property using funds we raise at our annual plant sale in May. While the library is closed during the current renovation project, the club is providing landscaping and garden maintenance help at Farrell Court for the elderly and disabled residents who live there. We also recently planted hundreds of daffodils at Memorial Park.
What are some of the programs and events the club works on throughout the year? Are there any events coming up soon we should know about? During the months we cannot work outside, the club offers a wide variety of educational programs presented by garden experts. We also join with the other garden clubs in town to decorate the King Hooper Mansion of the Marblehead Arts
come to us at pivotal moments in their lives for weddings, funerals or crises,” said the Rev. Lindsay Popperson, associate minister of the Old North Church.
and service to the town for centuries. The church was originally organized by a group of fishermen and mariners to alleviate the burden of traveling to Salem. The current building, located on Washington Street, was constructed in 1825 and has since become a focal point for various town activities.
“We see ourselves as being here to serve the whole of the community, and that very often people who don’t have another church or faith community will
She added, “We really pride ourselves on being that church, and I see the steeple as symbolizing that presence in the community.”
The amount raised, Sands said, underscores the congregation’s commitment. Betsey Halbert, the Old North Church moderator, said the urgent need for the restoration is due to the tower’s cupola and steeple being severely damaged in a microburst that occurred three years ago.
Association for the holidays in December. In the summer months, some of our members make floral arrangements for the Marblehead Museum’s Lee Mansion. Before our plant sale on May 13 at the Masonic Hall (8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.), club members will join in “Dig and Divide,” when we take plants from gardens all over town to offer them to the public.
What are the benefits of being a member of Driftwood Garden Club? And how does onebecome a member? We have a wonderful website people can visit at driftwoodgardenclub. org that lists all our programs and fun events as well as information about becoming a member. Member benefits include making many new
The cost of these repairs alone is expected to be close to $400,000, with the remaining funds needed for other necessary maintenance and repair projects.
“One of the things we’re telling people is no gift is too small, right?” said Halbert. “People write to us all the time, ‘I can only give you $10, $20, $200,’ but those donations mean as much to us as a person who gave us $50,000.”
In fact, Halbert and Sands were over the moon about a $50,000 pledge that they had received following Sunday’s service. The project has, in some ways, been in the works for the
friends while working together to provide beautification of our town properties. Our popular social events include the annual cocktail party with spouses and partners, special workshops to learn flower arranging and DIY projects, and participating in travel opportunities to visit gardens elsewhere. For our 65th and 70th birthdays, the club celebrated with two trips to England to experience stunning gardens and the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.
As the current President, why is the Driftwood Garden Club so important to you? As historian and current president, I have thoroughly enjoyed my many years in the Driftwood Garden Club. I have learned so much about gardening and
past five to six years.
“In 2018, we had an engineering firm do a study of all of our buildings and grounds in order to prepare ourselves for the future,” said Sands. “We asked ourselves, ‘What do these lovely old buildings in the heart of the historic district need to keep them going?’”
Sands added, “They divided it up into three five-year segments, so the first segment is what we are planning to be doing next summer.”
To learn more about the capital campaign or to make a donation, visit https://bit. ly/41f9Mkj.
environmental issues and made lifelong friends with a love for making the world more beautiful. What better way to enjoy life than getting our hands dirty in the garden, having fun learning about the natural world, and socializing with old and new friends while offering service to our beloved community of Marblehead?
The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. Discover Marblehead is dedicated to the promotion of our majestic seaside town of Marblehead. Its mission is to highlight local businesses, tourism, community events and attractions through social media, email marketing and community outreach. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.``
and her family launched #Move4Heather, a campaign to raise awareness and funds for glioblastoma research at Dana-Farber. They raised nearly $650,000.
Walker met President Joe Biden when he came to Boston last year to speak about his
Moonshot Initiative to reduce cancer deaths. Biden’s son also died of glioblastoma.
At the memorial, Walker’s brother-in-law read aloud an email the family received from President Biden the night before.
“Jill and I would like to offer our condolences,” Biden wrote.
“She reminded me of my son, Beau. She made it her mission to
take care of everyone.”
‘Hard love’
Several other people spoke at the memorial, which ended with Walker’s husband, Stephen, and his two daughters at the podium.
“From the day I met Heather on the roof of the Colonnade Hotel at a Mix 98.5 pool party, I knew I was in for a ride,” he said, prompting more warm laughter from the crowd. “I was all in.”
Through tears, Stephen Walker described how his wife believed in “hard love,” caring for people fiercely and loyally.
Then, he addressed his two daughters at his side.
“I want you to know that she loved you so much. I know that her spirit will be with us forever because she is in you,” he said.
Finally, Stephen Walker addressed his wife. “I’ll cherish
you forever. I’ll protect our girls with your hard love.”
As the memorial ended, the cloudy, gray skies cleared, making the way for sunlight.
Donations in Heather Walker’s memory can be made to M4H: danafarber.jimmyfund.org/ goto/move4heather or to the education fund for Walker’s daughters Sammy and Taylor at go.fidelity.com/0bf9dq.
All Abbot Public Library programs take place inside the public library’s temporary location at the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Rd. To register for programs, visit abbotlibrary.org.
New digs
The Abbot Public Library is temporarily located at the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Rd., while its Pleasant Street building undergoes a multi-million-dollar renovation. Library hours are the following:
» Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
» Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
» Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
» Sunday: Closed.
Note: The Children’s Room closes at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Returns are accepted inside the library in the blue bin near the main desk or, if the library is closed, outside its main entrance in the black Library Return bin. Book donations are only accepted on Book Donation Days. For updates on the renovations, visit abbotlibrary. org/news/renovation-news.Sign up for the library’s newsletter at tinyurl.com/Abbot-News.
Fines no more
Abbot Public Library is now fine-free. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ about/general-info to learn more about borrowing materials and to get a library card.
Tech and misc. things
The library offers Book Club Kits, Chromebooks, hotspots and more in its Library of Things. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ what-we-offer/library-of-things to learn more.
Need to use a copier?
Abbot Public Library does not charge a fee per page, but it asks that patrons contribute what they wish when copying. Funds will be donated to The Friends of Abbot Public Library.
Get your museum on Visit abbotlibrary.org/whatwe-offer/get-a-museum-pass to reserve passes and promo codes for some of the best museums in the greater Boston area.Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Abbot Public Library, the library offers passes and promo codes to:
» Boston Children’s Museum
Harvard Art Museums
The House of the Seven Gables
» The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
» Isabella Stewart Gardner
Museum
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Science
New England Aquarium (now a digital promo code)
» Peabody Essex Museum » Trustees Go Pass
Zoo New England Patrons without access to the internet may reserve a pass/ promo code right at the main desk or by calling 781- 631-1481, though some passes may require an email address to be used.
Music with Dara
Abbot Public Library is hosting “Music with Dara” on Friday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Program Room. The event is aimed at children ages 2-5 and combines music and movement. Registration is required for this program and interested individuals can register by calling the Children’s Room at 781-631-1481.
Story and sing along Abbot Public Library is hosting “Story & Sing-Along” with Jeana Khan on Monday May 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. The program is for children ages 3-5 years old and requires registration. Interested individuals can register by calling the Children’s Room at 781-631-1481. Children will have the opportunity to hear music and stories from local children’s book author Jeana Khan during the program.
Make a craft to take home
Abbot Public Library is offering a “Make A Craft To Take Home” program every Thursday in May (May 11, 18 and 25) from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. The program provides materials for a themed craft that children and caregivers can make together. No registration is required to participate in this drop-in program.
Moving and grooving
Abbot Public Library is hosting “Moving and Grooving,” a musical program for preschoolers and their caregivers on Monday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. The program is sponsored by the CFCE of the North Shore and is for children up to age 5. Interested individuals can register by calling the Children’s Room at 781-6311481. Registration is required to attend the program.
Grow it Wednesday
Abbot Public Library is offering “Grow It Wednesdays” throughout May on Wednesdays 17, 24 and 31. Children ages 4-12 can drop in anytime from 9:30
a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Children’s Room to take home a Grow It kit with everything they need to grow their own flowers or vegetables. No registration is required to participate in this program.
Beginner’s crochet for adults
Abbot Public Library is offering a three-week program, “Beginner’s Crochet for Adults,” on Tuesdays, May 16 and 23, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Program Room. The program is designed to teach the basics of crochet, and materials will be provided by the library. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website. Registration is required.
Bob Dylan at the May Poetry Salon
Abbot Public Library is hosting a May Poetry Salon on Thursday, May 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Program Room and online via Zoom. The salon will discuss the work of singer/songwriter Bob Dylan. Interested individuals can register in advance on the library’s website to attend the salon via Zoom. No registration is required for in-person attendance. Poetry packets will be available at the library or online for the event.
Intro to Marblehead town government
Abbot Public Library, in partnership with the Marblehead League of Women Voters, is hosting an Intro to Marblehead Town Government program on Monday, May 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Program Room and online via Zoom. The program will be the first in a new series led by the Marblehead League of Women Voters aimed at educating
individuals on how individual departments work in Marblehead. The program will start with Amy McHugh, the superintendent for the Water and Sewer Commission. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that works to protect and expand voting rights and defend democracy through education and advocacy. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend the program either in person or via Zoom. Registration is required.
‘The Great Gatsby: An American Musical’ Abbot Public Library is hosting a discussion on “The Great Gatsby: An American Musical” with the creators of Marblehead Little Theatre’s production on Wednesday, May 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Program Room. The creators will discuss the process of turning a classic novel into a musical production. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend the discussion. Registration is required.
Adult book club
Abbot Public Library is hosting an Adult Book Club via Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Book club members can log on to Zoom to discuss the latest and most highly recommended titles, led by a library staff member. April’s pick is “West with Giraffes,” a novel by Lynda Rutledge. Copies are available in the Reference Room. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend the book club. Registration is required. For more information, contact Assistant Director Morgan Yeo at yeo@noblenet.
All programs are held at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St., unless otherwise stated. For more information or to RSVP for programs, call 781-631-6225 or email councilonaging@marblehead.org
Lunch at the COA Lunch is offered on Tuesdays at noon for $3. The meals are prepared in the Council on Aging’s commercial kitchen. These lunches are supported by The Friends of the Council on Aging.
Grab-n-go lunches
Grab-n-go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. Pick-up time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations must be made the Thursday before.
Maple Street Bistro at Essex Tech
On Monday, May 15, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., come to the Maple Street Bistro before it closes for the summer. The COA van can transport up to 12 people or you can drive on your own. Cost is $16 due Monday, May 8.
It’s Bocce season
The season has started.
Games are played at the COA on Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Friday Travel Team plays 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Cost is $15 for the season. Sign up at the front office. Contact pbibbo@aol.com for more information.
Movie Days
On May 19, at 11 a.m., come watch the movie “House of Gucci,” starring Lady Gaga. RSVP.
Calling all veterans
Celebrate veterans at this breakfast hosted by the COA and the Masons on Friday, May 26, at 9 a.m. RSVP by Friday, May 19.
Photographic journey with Ulrike Welsch
Join Ulrike Welsch on Friday, May 12, at 11 a.m., on a photographic journey to the country of Georgia, in Eastern Europe. Georgia is rich in art, agriculture and talent, and is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Welsch will share photos and stories from a recent visit. RSVP.
Talking about grief
Join Trish Crean, the bereavement coordinator with All Care Hospice, on Friday, May 12, 10 a.m. to talk about living with grief. Call to reserve a seat.
Guess who’s coming to dinner
COA Outreach Coordinator
Sharon Dolober and Stacey McCarthy will lead this caregiver support group on Wednesday, May 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Flying Solo road trip
This group, designed for people who live alone, will be taking a road trip to Winter Island in Salem. Meet at Winter Island in the function hall on Tuesday, May 23, at 1 p.m, and learn about the history of the area. The group will then get ice cream at Salem Willows. RSVP by Friday, May 18.
Trips & Tours
The COA is planning several trips and tours this spring and summer, including a luncheon and Bee Gees tribute concert at the Danversport Yacht Club
on Tuesday, May 23; a luncheon and Texas Tenors concert at the Danversport Yacht Club on Tuesday, June 23; and a Montreal-Quebec trip July 18-21. For more information and to sign up, call Janice at 781-631-6225.
Coffee with a Cop
Join Chief Dennis King or someone else from the Marblehead Police Department to discuss community concerns. Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
Blood Pressure Clinic
Drop-in blood pressure clinic on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Fitness Center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Passes can be purchased for $10 for five visits.
Tai Chi/Qigong
Tai Chi/Qigong is an excellent form of exercise for low-impact strengthening, stress relief, balance and flexibility. Qigong is an ancient Chinese system that combines breathing, movement and meditation to cultivate health and wellbeing. Thursdays at 1 p.m. $5.
Chair Volleyball
Chair Volleyball is now at the COA on Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Muscle Conditioning Senior Muscle Conditioning
with Kim is on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $3.
Stay Active North Shore Physical Therapy runs an osteo class on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. There’s also Balance and Mobility with Mary Manning on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Each class is $3.
Zumba Gold
Zumba Gold classes are held on Wednesdays at noon. It is a lower-intensity dance class inspired by Latin and world music.
Parkinson’s Fitness
The Parkinson’s Fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Specifically developed for folks with Parkinson’s disease but appropriate for all, this class focuses on strength, mobility and balance. The program is paid for by the Friends of the Council on Aging.
Indoor Curling
Indoor curling takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
No experience is necessary for this indoor sport. Instructions on how to play the game will be available at every session. Yearly fee is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol. com with questions.
Stretch & Strength
The Council on Aging offers a Strength & Stretch class on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.
Step it Up
Karen Jancsy leads this lowimpact movement and muscle
conditioning class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m.
Weight Training
A Weight Training class is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Cost is $3.
Yoga with Evie
This yoga class is held on Mondays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Chair Yoga
Gail Perry Borden teaches Chair Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.
Line Dancing
Kate Hoffman teaches Line Dancing on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first hour is focused on beginners; however, all are welcome and encouraged to participate. Cost is $5.
Quilting
Learn how to quilt in this class on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per class.
Knitting Group
Drop-in knitting is Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Cribbage
Cribbage is held on Tuesdays. Doors close at 9:30 a.m.
Mahjong
Play mahjong Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
I Love Bridge
This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. Drop-in bridge is on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 25
1:17 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Nicholson Street to take a report of past vandalism to a motor vehicle. The resident told the officer that between 2 p.m. the day before and today at 10:30 a.m., someone had used a key to scratch her vehicle. The officer confirmed that there were three distinct scratches that appeared to have been made by a metal object on the driver’s side portion of the woman’s vehicle. The woman informed the officer that this was the third time in the past year that her car had been damaged in this way. She believed that it could be an old roommate that she had gotten arrested, but there was no evidence to connect that person to the damage. The officer could not see any cameras that would have been pointing in a direction to capture the incident. The officer advised the woman to place a camera up on her property to help prevent or catch whoever was causing the damage. She was advised that a police report would be on file for her records if she wanted to request one.
4:45 p.m. An officer met in the lobby of the station with a man who wanted to report a case of unemployment fraud. The man stated that earlier in the day he had been notified by his HR department that an unemployment claim had been filed in his name. The man was advised to file with the FTC via identityfraud.gov and follow its guide for notifying various credit bureaus.
7:38 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Lincoln Park.
9:04 p.m. The first of three vehicles with its headlights off was stopped in the area of Ocean Avenue and Pleasant Street. The other two were at 9:09 p.m. and 10:06 p.m. In all cases, the drivers were given verbal warnings.
Wednesday, April 26
10:16 a.m. A resident reported receiving annoying phone calls.
11:03 a.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a man who had recently found out someone had applied for unemployment in his name. The man had already contacted the three credit agencies. He was told to let police know if he had any other issues.
12:29 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Hawthorn Road for a motor vehicle complaint. The dispatcher advised him that a staff member of the Village School had called to report that a car driven by a man kept driving down the wrong way on the school access road and dumping his trash into the school’s dumpster. As the officer arrived at Hawthorn Road, he saw a vehicle matching the one he had been given in the driveway. He then knocked on the door and made contact with the owner, who confessed to having dumped his trash into the school’s dumpster and having driven down the access road the wrong way, though he did not realize it was the wrong way. The officer advised him to refrain from dumping his personal trash in the school’s dumpster as the school did not want him doing so, and that he should be using the access road entry on Jersey Street to go onto school property and not the exit on Village Street. He was further advised that he should purchase a facility sticker for the town dump if he wished to have his trash dumped off his property that would not normally be taken during weekly collections.
1:57 p.m. A caller on Pleasant Street reported having received
a police scam call.
2:33 p.m. An officer spoke by phone with a woman who was reporting a case of identity fraud: Someone had opened an account at Bank of America using her information, which she learned after receiving an email from the bank about the new account earlier in the day. The woman said that she had a Bank of America account at one point but not anymore. The woman had confirmed that the email was authentic, and the bank said that it would handle the incident. Acting on the advice of the bank, she had already begun to take steps to protect her credit and financial assets. She was made aware that a police report would be on file for her records if she needed it.
2:44 p.m. An officer investigated a report of kids throwing stuff on Village Street.
4:10 p.m. An officer investigated a disturbance reported on Humphrey Street.
5:46 p.m. Wood in the road was reported on Elm Street and Evans Road.
Thursday, April 27
11:23 a.m. An officer investigated a report of a scam call.
2:41 p.m. An officer assisted at the scene of a vehicle crash on Pleasant Street.
4:52 p.m. A vehicle crash was reported on Humphrey and Pleasant streets.
8:44 p.m. A streetlight was reported out on Ocean Avenue.
11:04 p.m. An officer investigated a report of loud kids on Chestnut Street and Harbor View Lane.
Friday, April 28
5:48 a.m. A small power outage was reported on Palmer Road.
9:06 a.m. An officer spoke with a couple who reported that National Grand Bank had notified them about a forged check that had been written on their shared checking account. They had just filled out an affidavit at the bank and now wanted the police to be aware of the incident. The bank showed them a copy of the forged check in their name for $64,700, which had been processed at Bank of America in Dallas, Texas. National Grand Bank had since closed their account, and they were not out any funds. The man told the officer that he had just applied for a line of credit on his mortgage, which may have triggered the fraudulent activity.
9:31 a.m. An officer spoke at the police station with a man who had had a Bank of America account opened by an unknown person using his information, which he had discovered on April 26. He had contacted the bank, and the fraud department had since closed the account. The man told the officer that the ISP address used to open up the account was located in Jamaica Plain, but he did not have the actual number on hand. The officer planned to share the information with detectives. The officer discussed with the man ways to protect his credit going forward, which he was already doing.
9:33 a.m. An officer met in the lobby of the police station with a woman who explained that she was seeking advice related to an earlier report she had made in the fall. Back in the fall, she had received an inappropriate text message from a model in her art class. Since then, she had received two more unwanted text messages from the same person. Approximately one week after the initial incident, the man texted to say he was sorry for the first text message. The woman did not respond, as she had already told him he was not welcome in class and to stop texting her. The woman
stated she did not immediately report the text because there was nothing overly alarming about it. However, earlier in the day, she had received a message from the man asking if he could come back to class as either a model or an artist. She again did not respond, as she wanted to seek advice first. After further discussion, it was determined that the officer would attempt to contact the man and issue him a verbal no-trespass order to stay away from the art studio. The officer spoke over the phone with the man, and he said he understood that he was not welcome back in class or on the property for any reason and that he was not to contact the art instructor for any reason, either. The officer informed the instructor of his conversation with the man and advised the instructor to block his number and document any further interactions. He also reminded the woman of the process for obtaining a harassment prevention order.
4:01 p.m. An officer was dispatched to May Street to speak to a man about a possible scam. The man explained he is the treasurer for a local church and had received an email from someone stating they were reverend of that church, though the email address differed from the one he knew as hers. The email stated that the reverend needed multiple prepaid gift cards to help other people that are in need. The man realized this was a scam and immediately contacted the reverend. The reverend confirmed that this was not her sending these emails asking for money. The man did not send out any money to the person impersonating the reverend, and they had made other members of the congregation aware of the scam. The officer planned to share his report with detectives.
9:35 p.m. Officer restored the peace after a disturbance on Atlantic Avenue.
10:43 p.m. Officers investigated a report of suspicious activity on Mechanic Court.
Saturday, April 29
11:20 a.m. An officer spoke at the station with a woman who had been the victim of identity theft by someone filing for unemployment benefits under her name.
On April 18, the woman had received a call from her human resources department to inform her that they received a call from the Department of Unemployment Assistance stating an unemployment claim had been filed under her name, claiming that she had been laid off on Christmas Day. The HR Department told her that they immediately recognized it as fraud and had filed a fraud claim, which the woman followed by filing her own fraud claim. On April 21, she received a U.S. Bank credit card in the mail from the Department of Unemployment Assistance. The card has no balance on it, and she had since attempted to contact the office by phone with no luck. She had contacted all her bank institutions, credit bureaus and Social Security Administration. As of now, it appeared nothing was amiss, but the woman said she would contact police if that changed.
11:33 a.m. A caller on Farrell Court reported their daughter was being unruly.
11:58 a.m. A scam call was reported to police.
12:48 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a woman who reported that someone had stolen the windshield wipers off her vehicle while it was parked in her
Dartmouth Road driveway. The woman stated that she had last seen her windshield wipers intact on April 27 at approximately 1:45 p.m. She stated that she had not moved the vehicle from that time until she noticed the wipers were missing earlier in the day. The woman told the officer that she did not have any cameras that would have captured the incident. The officer told the woman he would document what she had told him and to call in if she were to obtain any further information. The officer then searched Dartmouth Road and was unable to locate any cameras facing the woman’s driveway.
1:46 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Atlantic Avenue for a hit-and-run complaint. A woman reported to him that an unknown vehicle had struck her Jeep Grand Cherokee as it pulled out of the parallel parking spot behind her. The woman was shopping, and her sister-inlaw was waiting in the parked Jeep but was unable to see the registration fully. She reported that the first two digits were “58,” and it was on a red midsize SUV with a roof rack. The damage the officer observed on the driver’s side rear quarter panel was white scuffing. The woman was advised to contact her insurance company. The officer was unsuccessful in locating any cameras that may have recorded the incident.
2:25 p.m. A woman called to report that a man in a gray Honda CRV had just approached her 9-year-old daughter while she was outside walking their dog at the intersection of Elmwood Road and Brookhouse Drive. A neighbor on Elmwood Road had witnessed the incident and gave the woman the vehicle’s description though he had been unable to see the license plate. The girl told the officer she was across the street from her home in the grass median when a man coming from Humphrey Street stopped his vehicle to talk to her. She did not know the man and described him as a short black man with an accent, so it was hard for her to understand him. The man driving asked her if she wanted some free dog food, and she said “no.” The man then exited the vehicle and opened the rear driver’s side door to show her that he indeed had a bag of dog food. The girl again said “no.” At that time, the man saw that a couple of neighbors were out in their front yards, and the man asked if either was her father. The girl said “no.” At that point, the man got back into his vehicle and drove off towards Tedesco Street. She said the man never approached her or tried to get closer to her at all. She then walked home and told her mother what had happened. The officer then spoke with the neighbor who had witnessed the incident. He said he did not see the girl acting as if something was wrong, and did not know if she knew the person, so he stood back but watched anyway. He did see the man briefly and confirmed him to be short, as the man’s head was below the CRV roof line. He thought he might be Latino but too far away to confirm.
3:54 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a woman whose Social Security Number had been compromised. The woman stated that she received notification from her employer that she had filed for unemployment, which she stated was false. The woman further stated that a PayPal debit card account had been opened using her Social Security Number, name and address, but an email address that was not hers. The woman stated that no charges had been made as of yet to the PayPal account opened in her name. The officer advised the woman
that she should contact the Department of Unemployment Assistance and Social Security to report the incidents and to use the process on IdentyityTheft. gov to report the fraudulent activity as well. She was further advised to contact any and all of her financial institutions so they could stop future possibly fraudulent charges from going through.
4:06 p.m. An officer spoke at the police station to take a report from a woman whose vehicle had just struck a Marblehead police cruiser in front of the station as she was attempting to park in the Star of the Sea Church parking lot. She had exited her vehicle without placing it into park, and it then began to roll forward, over the sidewalk, striking at police cruiser No. 61, which was legally parked on Gerry Street. The damage to the woman’s vehicle, including a bend in the license plate, was “extremely minor,” while there was damage to the passenger side door of the police cruiser.
9:23 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a missing teen on Pleasant Street.
Sunday, April 30
12:54 a.m. A tree branch was reported down on Green Street Court.
3:15 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Broughton Road.
7:20 p.m. Police were notified about a power outage in Swampscott on Atlantic Avenue.
Monday, May 1
5:13 a.m. Officers assisted at the scene as firefighters investigated the report of smoke and the smell of burned oil on Abbot Street.
8:31 p.m. Officers investigated the report of an assault on Bessom Street.
Tuesday, May 2
12:54 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the area of Rockaway Avenue and Warren Road to investigate a report of a suspicious man who appeared to be looking at porches, possibly for packages. The man was described as a Black man who was wearing dark clothing and a mask and carrying a blue bag. Officers were initially unable to locate anyone matching the description in the immediate area. However, while driving on Atlantic Avenue, an officer observed a man matching the description walking on Rockaway Avenue. As officers approached the man, he flagged the officers down. The man stated that he was just walking in the area, looking for Vinnin Square, and he asked for directions. The officers pointed him in the right direction and sent him on his way. The officers then spoke with the caller, who explained that she had first seen the man walk into the woods at the end of Warren Road and emerge about 30 minutes later. Her attention was drawn to him as he began walking down Warren Road towards Rockaway Avenue, and he would pause in front of each house and look at their front porch or door. The woman had not seen the man enter anyone’s property or take anything. An officer took several photos of the man, which were included in their report.
2:43 p.m. An officer spoke with a local woman who reported identity fraud. The woman reported that an unknown person had applied for state unemployment benefits using her personal identifying information, which she had been made aware of by both the Department of Unemployment Assistance on April 29 and by her employer shortly thereafter. The woman was aware that her personal identifiable information had been stolen in a past unknown event. The officer advised the woman to monitor her credit and to contact her bank about any other actions she could take to protect herself.
business Creative Spirit, is partnering with the Salem Athenaeum to direct an
outdoor staged reading of the play “The Secret Garden,” based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett and adapted by Jerry R. Montoya.
The family-friendly production will take place at the Salem Athenaeum, 337 Essex St., Salem, on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“The Secret Garden”
tells the tale of young, orphaned Mary Lennox who discovers a secret garden, saves her sickly young cousin and melts the heart of her emotionally-distant uncle. Several North Shore performers and artists are involved in the production, including Pugmire and actor Peter Bottéas, both of Marblehead. Learn more at salemathenaeum.net.
Marblehead’s METCO program invites the community to its annual Cultural Feast at Marblehead Head School on May 19, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Cultural Feast will feature several performances, including by Kenyan singer, writer and activist Wangari Fahari. Food trucks Jamaica Mi Hungry, BonMe and Cookie Monstah will be there, too.
